Dharavi Redevelopment: Survey Commences, Each House Receives Unique ID For Rs 23,000 Crore Makeover

The eagerly awaited survey work for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) kicked off in Kamala Raman Nagar on Monday (18 March), marking a significant milestone in the ambitious initiative.

Initiating the process, each house in the area was assigned a unique identifier, setting the stage for a comprehensive laser survey, commonly known as Lidar survey. This advanced remote sensing method utilises rapid light pulses from a near-infrared laser to gather precise measurements of each lane within the vicinity.

According to Indian Express report, DRP official disclosed that following the laser survey, teams will conduct thorough data collection from every tenement holder. CEO of DRP, S V R Srinivas, emphasised the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to provide accurate information to facilitate a smooth and efficient survey process. Additionally, he revealed plans for a socio-economic survey, with data meticulously stored in a centralised system for future reference.

Highlighting the project's inclusive approach, Srinivas noted that it represents the first slum redevelopment endeavour to provide housing under a rental housing scheme, even to occupants residing on the higher floors of hutments.

An official from the Adani Group confirmed that survey operations commenced on Monday, focusing initially on the Railway land of Kamala Raman Nagar, a key segment of the broader Dharavi area comprising hutments, railway personnel quarters, and officers' residences.

The choice of this location, according to officials, eliminates the need to relocate families to transit or rental accommodations. This streamlined approach allows for the seamless construction of newly redeveloped buildings without necessitating relocations, fostering confidence among residents who will receive housing within their existing community.

Dharavi Redevelopment Project

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, initially mooted in 2004, has recently made significant strides.

In October 2022, the Maharashtra government floated a global tender for the redevelopment of Asia's biggest slum, Dharavi, spread over 240 hectares of prime land in the heart of the country's commercial capital Mumbai.

In November 2022, Adani Realty secured the project with a bid of Rs 5,069 crore, positioning itself as the lead developer for this transformative initiative. With survey operations expected to conclude by October or November, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project signifies a monumental step towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment for its residents.

As per the terms of redevelopment, Adani Realty will get seven years to see the work through, including rehabilitating more than 56,000 families. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 23,000 crore.

Significance Of Redevelopment Project

Spanning across 2.8 square kilometres, Dharavi is home to an informal leather and pottery industry, providing employment opportunities to over one lakh individuals.

The state's vision entails transforming this area into a cluster of high-rise structures supported by enhanced urban infrastructure, necessitating the resettlement of approximately 68,000 individuals, including both slum dwellers and commercial establishments. The redevelopment project will be a major economic contributor to Mumbai and Maharashtra.

The plan also incorporates industrial and business zones for the existing and new businesses and commercial activities with better facilities, infrastructure, and platforms for improved conditions and growth.

Dharavi retains a prime location in Mumbai with proximity to existing business districts and financial centres of the city, including the Bandra Kurla Complex and others.

Through the re-design, the vast expanse of Dharavi slums will be connected to the progressive landscape of Mumbai. This revamped identity of Dharavi will reduce residential differentiation within the city and enable the seamless integration of its residents with the overall city population.